Got Water? Proper Hydration for Athletes

By Elizabeth Quinn, VeryWellFit, 03/12/18, 12:00PM CDT

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It's necessary to replace losses of sodium, potassium and other electrolytes during exercise. Keep in mind that under normal situations most exercisers are unlikely to deplete these minerals during regular training.

Proper hydration is helpful for achieving the best performance in elite athletes. Adequate fluid intake is also helpful for recreational exercisers to exercise at their best.

There have been recommendations about how much water or sports drinks are needed and over the years athletes were advised to drink much more water than we now know is necessary. New guidelines on nutrient recommendations were published by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.